Juicy Cajun Shrimp Skewers

This juicy and tender grilled Cajun shrimp recipe has been my summer go-to for quick entertaining that always impresses guests. The garlicky, lemony flavors infused by the Cajun marinade transform ordinary shrimp into a mouthwatering dish ready in under 30 minutes.

I first made these skewers for an impromptu backyard gathering when I needed something quick but impressive. My neighbor actually asked for the recipe before she even finished her first skewer.

Ingredients

• 1 pound tiger prawns or jumbo shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and tails removed. Choose fresh-looking shrimp with a mild ocean smell.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Divided. Use good quality extra virgin for better flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed gives the brightest flavor.
• 2 tablespoons garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic provides more depth than powder.
• 1 tablespoon Cajun spice or Old Bay spice: The heart of the flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Adds herbal complexity.
• ½ tablespoon paprika: For color and smoky notes.
• 1 tablespoon parsley: Finely chopped. Adds freshness and color.
• 2 lemon wedges: For serving. The final acid touch brings everything together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Shrimp:

Use scissors to cut through the shell along the back of the prawns and remove the shells. Rinse to remove the veins and pat dry with paper towel. Properly dried shrimp will better absorb the marinade flavors and prevent steaming instead of searing.

Create the Marinade:

Add the prawns into a large bowl and add in a tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Cajun spice, Italian seasoning, and paprika. The combination creates a perfect balance of heat, herbs, and acidity that complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp without overwhelming it.

Marinate the Shrimp:

Toss everything thoroughly to fully coat the prawns with the marinade. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes up to 30 minutes maximum. Any longer and the acid begins to "cook" the shrimp prematurely.

Skewer the Shrimp:

Thread the marinated prawns onto skewers adding 4 prawns on each skewer. Thread them so they lie flat which ensures even cooking on both sides. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them first to prevent burning.

Prepare the Grill:

Lightly brush some olive oil over the grill pan. Preheat the grill over medium-high heat for 3 minutes until the oil starts sizzling and shimmering. In a small bowl, combine remaining olive oil with finely chopped parsley creating a basting mixture that will add flavor and prevent sticking.

Grill to Perfection:

Place the skewers spaced evenly apart on the grill pan and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the prawns turn completely orange. Brush the olive oil parsley mixture over the prawns during grilling for added flavor and moisture.

Serve:

Transfer to a plate and serve warm with lemon wedges on the side. Sprinkle extra chopped parsley on top for a fresh aromatic finish and vibrant presentation.

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The Cajun seasoning is truly the star of this recipe. I once made this dish without it when I ran out and while still good, it lacked that special kick that makes everyone come back for seconds. Now I always keep a jar in my pantry specifically for this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These Cajun shrimp skewers are incredibly versatile on your table. Serve them over coconut rice for a tropical inspired meal that feels like vacation food. The creamy, subtle sweetness of coconut rice provides the perfect backdrop for the spicy shrimp.

For a lighter option, place them atop a crisp green salad with avocado and a simple vinaigrette. The warm shrimp slightly wilts the greens, creating an interesting texture contrast while the avocado cools the Cajun spice.

One of my favorite ways to serve these is tucked into warm flour tortillas with lime crema slaw for quick shrimp tacos. The cool creaminess of the slaw against the spicy warm shrimp creates an irresistible combination that disappears quickly at gatherings.

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Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can create your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. This homemade blend allows you to control the heat level based on your preference.

Shrimp alternatives work beautifully with this marinade too. Try it with chunks of firm white fish like mahi-mahi or even chicken breast pieces cut into similar sizes for even cooking. The marinade time may need adjusting depending on your protein choice.

For a lower carb option, skip the skewers altogether and cook the shrimp in a hot cast iron skillet. They cook even faster this way, about 2 minutes per side, and develop a beautiful caramelization where the marinade meets the hot pan.

Storage Tips

Leftover Cajun shrimp remain delicious for quick meals later. First unthread the shrimp from the skewers to prevent them from becoming rubbery in storage. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.

For the best texture when reheating, avoid the microwave which can make shrimp tough. Instead, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat just until heated through, about 2 minutes. They also taste wonderful chilled in a salad or wrap.

If planning ahead, you can marinate the shrimp, freeze them uncooked in the marinade, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. This makes for an extremely quick meal solution when time is tight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How long should I marinate the shrimp?

For best results, marinate the shrimp for 15 minutes and no longer than 30 minutes. The acidic lemon juice in the marinade will begin to 'cook' the shrimp if left too long, similar to ceviche.

→ Can I make these shrimp skewers in an air fryer?

Yes! To cook in an air fryer, place about 10 prawns (without skewers) in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking time.

→ What can I serve with cajun shrimp skewers?

These versatile shrimp skewers pair wonderfully with coconut rice, white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or cauliflower mash. They're also excellent on salads like Mediterranean orzo pasta salad or summer corn salad, or in tacos with lime crema slaw.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp cook quickly and are done when they turn completely orange and opaque. This typically takes 3-4 minutes per side when grilling. Overcooked shrimp become tough, so watch them carefully.

→ Can I make these shrimp skewers ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can store leftovers unthreaded from skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. They're delicious cold in salads the next day.

→ What's a good substitute for cajun seasoning?

Old Bay seasoning works as an excellent substitute for cajun spice in this recipe, as mentioned in the ingredients list. You could also make your own cajun blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.